“It was a special season and we did lose an outstanding group of players and competitors,” said the veteran coach.

“But each year is a new one and I feel we have another great group of leaders and players that is focused on keeping the winning tradition alive in Abington.”

The tradition Perakslis is proudly referring to is having qualified for the MIAA state tournament for 11 of the last 12 seasons.

“Our kids take pride in keeping that record of excellence alive and I am confident this group is up to that challenge,” said Perakslis, whose oldest son Stephen is a pitcher in the Chicago Cubs organization.

Perakslis returns three prominent veterans from last year’s championship squad and all three will serve as team captains in the 2014 season.

South Shore League All-Star shortstop, junior Bryan Dwyer, will anchor the infield and also provide a potent bat in the middle of the order for the Green Wave.

“He is a quiet leader,” said the coach. “He leads by example.”

Dwyer was also the starting quarterback for the football squad.

Seniors Matt Whalen and Jake Quinlan will lead the pitching Abington’s pitching staff.

“Both Quinlan and Whalen are outstanding leaders,” said the coach.

Quinlan led the Green Wave hockey squad to a banner season and Whalen was the sole football captain, which is a rarity these days.

Perakslis will be counting on Scott Jansen to handle the catching chores this season.

Jansen will have big shoes to fill as he will be following in the footsteps of All-Star catcher Nate Littman.

The Green Wave will have a number of role players from last year’s roster looking for playing time in the infield.

They include Brian O’Donovan, James Landers and Joe Marella.

Vinny Picardi returns as one of the Green Waves most versatile players and a big play competitor.

Page 2 of 2 - “Vinny is an excellent athlete,” said the coach. “He can play multiple positions, infield and outfield; every successful team needs one of those types.”

Cam Mariana returns to Abington after a stint at Archbishop Williams. Mariani, an infielder, should provide the Green Wave will another solid bat.

Others expected to make significant contributions are Sean O’Brien and Aidan Cawley.

John Kearns, Owen Leary and Cole Jansen, up from the sub varsity squad, have caught Perakslis eye in the preseason even though most of the workouts have been held in the high school gym due to poor field conditions.

“It’s not like we have an inexperienced group this year,” cautioned Perakslis, when queried about the loss of such a solid senior class.

“Many of these guys did see time during last years’ stretch run and in the tournament,” said the coach. “They have the opportunity to make it happen this season and I am confident they will.”

Abington will open South Shore League play on April 1 against Monomoy Regional High School.

“For the first time in many years we will open the season without having faced live pitching,” said the coach.